At Bonhams In San Francisco

San Francisco (April 23, 2014) – A rare, four-color lithograph of Emil Nolde's "Tänzerin," 1913, was the top-selling work in Bonhams' $2.6 million Prints & Multiples auction, April 22 in San Francisco, and simulcast in Los Angeles. The piece, depicting a woman dancing as others watch on, brought $278,500, falling well within its pre-sale estimate of $200,000-300,000.

The Prints & Multiples auction at Bonhams, the third largest international fine art auction house, was successful all around, with 90 percent of its 320 lots sold by value and 84 percent sold by lot.

Bonhams' Director of Prints & Photographs, Judith Eurich, commented, "We were pleased to offer such a high level of artworks by some of the most important modern and contemporary artists. The buyers responded favourably with strong, competitive bids, resulting in 10 new international auction records."

Bidders were greatly interested in Pablo Picasso works, with many selling among the top lots of the auction. Highlights included Picasso's "Femme au Chapeau," 1962, a linocut in colours, prominently red, yellow and purple, that achieved $86,500 (est. $30,000-50,000); "Laughing-eyed face," 1969, a partially glazed earthenware pitcher, painted in blue, green, red and white, that brought $52,500 (est. $20,000-30,000); "Deux Femmes," 1959, a linocut in colours, that sold for $37,500 (est. $25,000-35,000); and "Woman's head with crown of flowers," 1964, a red earthenware rectangular plaque, painted in black, that took in $32,500 (est. $15,000-20,000).

Andy Warhol screenprints in colours also sold quite well in the sale. "Details of Renaissance Paintings (Sandro Botticelli, "Birth of Venus," 1482)," 1984, brought $64,900 (est. $50,000-60,000); "Flowers," 1970, brought $37,500 (est. $20,000-30,000); and "Chicken Noodle, from Campbell's Soup I," 1968, achieved $40,000 (est. $10,000-15,000), setting an international record for the work sold at auction.

Highlights additionally included Richard Hamilton's "Patricia Knight," 1982, a unique aquatint, scraper and burnisher, coloured with acrylic, that took in $86,500, and an After John James Audubon of "Common American Swan," c. 1838, from the Havell edition of "The Birds of America," a hand-colored engraving with aquatint and etching, that was property from the collection of Lauren Bacall, that brought $47,500 (est. $20,000-30,000).

Also of note in the sale were works from the Sonesta International Hotels Corporation that set international auction records, including a complete eight linocut set by Sol LeWitt of "Colour Bands," 2000, that sold for $27,500 (est. $12,000-18,000); Richard Serra's "Pls. 1-17, from Venice Notebook 2001," 2001-03, including 18 of 20 etchings, that took in $30,000; Beatriz Milhazes screenprint of "Havaí" (Hawaii) that brought $31,250; and a Jonathan Borofsky gatorfoam painted multiple of "Flying Man with Briefcase, No. 2816955," 1983-86, that achieved $20,000.

For additional results from the sale, please visit bonhams.com/auctions/21628/. The next auction of Prints & Multiples at Bonhams will take place October 20 in San Francisco, and will be simulcast in Los Angeles.

Inquiries: For further information and images call Joalien Johnson at 415 503 3348 or email joalien.johnson@bonhams.com or pr.us@bonhams.com.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Bonhams, founded in 1793, is one of the world's largest auctioneers of fine art and antiques. The present company was formed by the merger in November 2001 of Bonhams & Brooks and Phillips Son & Neale. In August 2002, the company acquired Butterfields, the principal firm of auctioneers on the West Coast of America. Today, Bonhams offers more sales than any of its rivals, through two major salerooms in London: New Bond Street and Knightsbridge; and a further three in the UK regions and Scotland. Sales are also held in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Carmel, New York and Connecticut in the USA; and Germany, France, Monaco, Hong Kong and Australia. Bonhams has a worldwide network of offices and regional representatives in 25 countries offering sales advice and valuation services in 60 specialist areas. For a full listing of upcoming sales, plus details of Bonhams specialist departments go to www.bonhams.com